Key Medicinal Plant: Kava Kava

Kava Kava, scientifically known as Piper methysticum, is an extraordinary plant with a rich history in Pacific Island cultures, where it’s celebrated for its calming and euphoric effects. Here are some of its common names:

Kava
‘Awa (Hawaiian)
‘Ava (Samoan)
Yaqona or Yagona (Fijian)
Sakau (Pohnpei)
Seka (Kosrae)
Malok or Malogu (parts of Vanuatu)
Intoxicating Pepper
Kawa Kawa
Kew
Tonga
Yangona
The name “kava” comes from the Tongan and Marquesan words for “bitter,” reflecting its taste, while “intoxicating pepper” nods to its scientific name, where “piper” means pepper and “methysticum” means intoxicating.